Review of Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Toxicological Profile of Stereospermum kunthianum

Aims: The review is directed at the phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological activities of the medicinal plant Stereospermum kunthianum, Cham, (Bignoniaceae) widely distributed in the Guinean-savannah.

Results: A survey of previous scientific publications and available literatures revealed that tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, sterols, coumarins, quinones and higher fatty acids have been isolated with various solvents from different parts of the plant. Extracts from the plant have shown antibacterial, antiplasmodial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrhoeal, anticonvulsant and antioxidant activities pharmacologically. Sub-acute and acute toxicity studies showed that Stereospermum kunthianum has a wide safety margin up to 1000 mg/kg b. wt. and can be used for long term treatment of disease conditions for which it is indicated.

Conclusion: Result emerging from the review of scientific studies unveil the therapeutic potential of Stereospermum kunthianum extracts and isolated compounds thereby justifying the use of the plant in traditional medicine as a remedy for treatment of various diseases in humans.